Baltimore police arrest scam artists who preyed on elderly

Baltimore City police said they arrested five con artists who preyed on elderly people.

Elderly residents were scammed and robbed of money as the con artists claimed they owed on their property taxes, police said.

The victims were between the ages of 70 and 95.

Police said the Christopher Pasco, James Pasco, Michael Fields, Tierra McCoy and Vaneka Powers each face several charges related to the matter.

"The five suspects that we have conspired to do these crimes together," Baltimore Police Department Sgt. Sarah Connolly said.

In each of the 10 incidents a woman called the elderly victim pretending to be a city tax collector. She went on to tell them that their property taxes were due and if they didn't pay they would be evicted from their homes.

Shortly after that call, a man would should up at the victim's home and collect the money. If there happened to be any resistance, police said the man would get violent with the victim.

"One incident that we've heard of, they've actually tied a victim up. They have pushed our elderly around. They have slapped them and, in another incident, they have put a towel over someone's head. That could have led to their suffocation," Connolly said.

It was unknown how much money was taken, but police said the average amount per victim was several thousand dollars.

Police urge resident to be mindful of their surroundings and to call police if they see anything suspicious. They also urge any potential victims to reach out to them.